Step 1 of my 4-Step Mercury and Heavy Metal Detoxification Program is all about eliminating exposure to mercury, other heavy metals and environmental toxins. This is the first priority. I could easily write a few books about all the ways we are unknowingly exposed to various poisonous substances. But this issue can be effectively undertaken in 12 simple steps.
1. Replace Your Dental “Silver” Amalgam Fillings from a Dentist Specially Trained in the Safe Removal of Amalgam Fillings
Dental amalgam fillings, commonly called silver fillings, contain approximately 51-53% elemental mercury by weight, combined with other metals.
These fillings have been shown to release amounts of mercury vapor, especially during chewing, grinding, or exposure to heat. The amount released varies, and the health implications depend on individual circumstances.
Here is a Youtube video of one study from many years ago showing the mercury vapor being released from an extracted tooth with an amalgam filling in it: SMOKING TEETH = POISON GAS
Although major dental and public health organizations consider intact amalgam fillings generally safe for most people, the FDA recommends avoiding new amalgam fillings in certain higher-risk groups whenever possible.
If you have existing dental amalgam (silver) fillings and are concerned about mercury exposure, consult a qualified dentist who is specifically trained in safe amalgam removal techniques.
Important: Removing mercury amalgam fillings without appropriate safety precautions can significantly increase exposure to mercury vapor and particles. Drilling into amalgam fillings can release mercury-containing vapor and debris, which patients may inhale or ingest during the procedure.
For this reason, I strongly recommend choosing a dentist trained in the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART), developed by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). This protocol incorporates specialized protective measures designed to minimize mercury exposure for both patients and dental professionals during amalgam removal.
For information about dental amalgam and dentists trained in additional mercury-exposure precautions, visit:
– International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT): https://iaomt.org
– International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM): https://iabdm.org
2. Avoid Fish and Shellfish Except Sardines and Anchovies
Fish and shellfish provide valuable nutrients, including protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and selenium. Unfortunately, our oceans, lakes, and rivers are also contaminated with environmental pollutants, including mercury, other toxic metals, industrial chemicals, and radioactive substances. These contaminants can accumulate in aquatic life and ultimately enter our food supply.
As a Holistic Health Practitioner specializing in mercury and heavy metal toxicity since 2008, I take these exposures very seriously.
My personal recommendation is to avoid all fish and shellfish except sardines and anchovies, particularly if you’re already struggling with chronic illness, heavy metal toxicity, or other environmental health concerns.
For many years, I regularly enjoyed wild Alaskan salmon because I considered it one of the cleanest and healthiest fish available, second only to sardines and anchovies.
Unfortunately, my confidence in wild Alaskan salmon changed following the devastating Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan in 2011. Radioactive substances, including cesium-134 and cesium-137, were released into the Pacific Ocean, raising serious concerns about their movement through ocean currents and potential contamination of marine ecosystems.
Subsequent scientific testing detected Fukushima-related radioactive cesium in some Pacific fish, including wild Alaskan salmon, confirming that radioactive contamination had entered the marine food chain the Alaskan inner waters.
If you love seafood as much as I do, giving it up can be difficult. However, I believe that when you’re already struggling with chronic illness or environmental toxicity, minimizing additional exposure to mercury, radioactive substances, and other potentially harmful contaminants should be a priority.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout my years working with individuals affected by environmental toxicity is that we don’t always have to wait for science to establish every possible long-term health consequence before taking reasonable precautions.
The last thing anyone needs is unnecessary exposure to mercury, radioactive contaminants, and other toxic metals and chemicals, especially when already dealing with chronic health issues.
3. Eat Only Non-GMO, Organic, Grass-Fed, and Free-Range Meats, Eggs, and Dairy
Avoid non-organic meat, eggs, and dairy products whenever possible, especially when eating at home. Conventionally raised livestock are often fed genetically modified corn, soy, and other grains, and may be exposed to pesticides and other agricultural chemicals through their feed. Depending on the animal and farming practices, certain hormones and medications may also be used.
In some areas, finding restaurants that serve organic foods isn’t easy. However, when eating at home, my recommendation is to choose only organic, grass-fed meats, pasture-raised eggs, and organic dairy products. Organically raised animals are also subject to stricter standards regarding their feed, living conditions, and certain medications.
Grass-fed beef and buffalo are excellent choices. Grass-fed beef generally has a more favorable fatty acid profile, including higher levels of certain omega-3 fatty acids, compared with conventionally grain-fed beef.
Cattle are naturally grazing animals, yet many conventionally raised cattle are fed diets heavily based on corn, soy, and other grains instead of their natural diet of grasses. What an animal eats directly affects the nutritional composition of its meat and fat. Feeding cattle an unnatural diet can alter their fatty acid composition and the overall nutritional quality of the meat.
The bottom line is simple: What we feed the animals we eat matters, and so does how those animals are raised.
4. Eat only non-GMO organic fruits and vegetables
Eat only organic fruits and vegetables; at least when at home. All non-organic fruits and vegetables have pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals. These pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, steroids, hormones, etc. are tasteless, odorless and colorless. Just because you can’t see, taste or smell it, does not mean it’s not there.
Also, many non-organic foods are GMO and also irradiated, which destroys the molecular structure of the food. This is demonstrated by countless scientific studies to have a severe detrimental effect on the cells in the human body, including altering and damaging one’s DNA.
This greatly impairs the immune system as well as other bodily systems. Also, the nutritional content of non-organic fruits and vegetables are much lower than organic food. One example: organic spinach contains 8 times more iron than non-organic spinach.
5. Drink and cook with only pure water sources
Drink clean, pure water – NOT tap or bottled water! Many people assume bottled water is cleaner, purer, and healthier than tap water. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Some bottled waters have been found to contain toxic chemicals, heavy metals, industrial pollutants, and even potentially cancer-causing substances.
In a 2008 investigation, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested 10 popular bottled water brands and discovered 38 different contaminants, including arsenic, industrial chemicals, fertilizer residues, pharmaceutical residues, and potentially carcinogenic disinfection byproducts. Some samples even exceeded certain California safety standards.
A more recent study published in Environment International in 2023 examined bottled water from 30 different sources and detected arsenic in 67% of samples, uranium in 57%, and lead in 17%. Although none exceeded enforceable chemical safety limits, these findings demonstrate that bottled water isn’t necessarily free of harmful contaminants.
Another concern is that chemicals from plastic bottles can leach into the water, particularly when exposed to excessive heat.
Just because water comes in a sealed bottle with a beautiful picture of a mountain spring doesn’t mean it’s pure, clean, or free of toxic chemicals!
Please don’t forget that pets also need NON-TOXIC water! They are just as adversely affected by poisonous substances, if not more than humans!
My recommendation is to invest in a high-quality water filtration system, preferably one independently certified to reduce heavy metals and other harmful contaminants. Reverse osmosis is one option that can effectively reduce many of these substances.
Research and Sources:
- Environmental Working Group — Bottled Water Quality Investigation (2008)
- Environment International — Bottled Water Contaminant Study (2023)
Three ideal water filters for clean, pure drinking water:
- Zero water filter. Like a Brita but is a 5 carbon filter instead of a 2 carbon filter ($50 for a pitcher and one filter. 4 replacement filters is about $50). One filter which is $15.00 lasts about one month for one adult. Excellent filter. Can purchase at Bed Bath & Beyond, Target and Amazon.
- Aqua Tru water filter countertop reverse osmosis system (about $450).
- High Tech Health countertop reverse osmosis/ionizer water filter system (about $1750). Recommended by various credible doctors including Dr. Sherry Rogers, authoer of Detoxify or Die. https://www.hightechhealth.com/shop/
6. Use non-toxic household cleaners and exterminators
Use non-toxic cleaners and exterminators in your home. Health food stores carry non-toxic household cleaners. Organic and non-toxic or low-toxic exterminators are available almost anywhere now.
7. Choose Safer Personal Care and Cosmetic Products
Many personal care products are another potential source of daily chemical exposure.
Shampoos, lotions, cosmetics, deodorants, perfumes/cologne, and other products may contain fragrances, preservatives, dyes, petroleum-based products and other contaminants that literally poison you.
Be cautious with imported or unregulated skin-lightening products as they almost always contain mercury, as well as lipstick and liners, mascara and other cosmetics.
A simple personal care routine with well-chosen products can reduce unnecessary exposure without sacrificing hygiene or comfort.
A few of my favorite brands of non-toxic or low-toxic cosmetics are:
- Laura Mercier
- Jane Iredale
- ILIA Beauty
- Bare Minerals
- Tower 28 Beauty
8. Do not consume artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are widely used in diet beverages, sugar-free foods, and processed products.
Common examples include:
- Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet)
- Sucralose (Splenda)
- Saccharin (Sweet’N Low)
- Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K)
Simply put, artificial sweeteners can be far more damaging to the body than sugar. They have damaging effects on the nervous system, gut microbiome, metabolism, blood sugar regulation, brain health and can contribute to chronic inflammation. Artificial sweeteners also alter neurotransmitter production, and can cause excessive excitatory signaling. This damages neurons and causes oxidative stress. You are much better off eating sugar!
9. Avoid toothpaste and mouthwash containing fluoride
Do not use toothpaste and mouthwash containing fluoride. Even though there are countless scientific studies proving how toxic and harmful fluoride is and that it is a neurotoxin and the CDC publicly classifies as a carcinogen, companies still add fluoride in toothpastes, mouthwash, our drinking water and even some medicines.
NOW Xyliwhite and Spry are my favorite brands of toothpaste and mouthwash and is available at most health food stores. It contains xylitol, which is a healthy sweetener and is also effective at killing bacteria.
10. Avoid Toxic Candles, Air Fresheners, and Artificial Fragrances
Many people don’t realize that the candles they burn and the air fresheners they use can release harmful chemicals into the air they breathe.
This includes scented candles, plug-in air fresheners, aerosol sprays, car fragrances, and even some products marketed as “natural” or “soy-based,” which may still contain potentially harmful chemicals.
Many of these products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fine particles, and other substances that can negatively affect our health. Exposure to certain airborne pollutants has been linked to asthma, allergies, headaches, respiratory irritation, and other health problems. Some fragrance ingredients can also trigger symptoms such as brain fog, anxiety, and nervous system sensitivities in susceptible individuals. Certain airborne chemicals and fragrances can even be deadly to pet birds and harmful to other animals.
Just because something smells wonderful doesn’t mean it’s healthy to breathe!
And please remember your pets, who can be especially sensitive to airborne pollutants and fragrances.
My recommendation is simple: Keep the air in your home clean and free of unnecessary chemicals and artificial fragrances.
Fresh air, proper ventilation, and a quality air purifier with a HEPA filter can help improve indoor air quality without introducing additional fragrances or chemicals.
The two best air purifiers on the market that I know of (and also have in my home) are the Swiss-made IQAir HealthPro XE Plus Air Purifier and EcoQuest Purifiers.
I also use diffusers with organic essential oils, which add a lovely, natural scent to the room.
11. Use non-toxic cookware
The cookware you use every day is another potential source of exposure to unwanted chemicals and metals.
Many people are unaware that certain nonstick cookware contains synthetic coatings that can break down when overheated, releasing potentially harmful fumes into your food every time you cook.
Traditional Teflon cookware contains PTFE, and older manufacturing processes used chemicals such as PFOA. Although PFOA has largely been phased out of U.S. nonstick cookware production, I personally prefer to avoid cookware with synthetic nonstick coatings whenever possible. There are other types of poisonous chemicals that can be added to cookware instead.
I also recommend limiting the use of aluminum foil which can increase the amount of aluminum transferred into food.
Why go to the trouble of eating healthy, nutritious foods only to prepare them in cookware that may introduce toxic chemical or metal exposure?
Fortunately, there are several excellent alternatives.
My preferred cookware includes:
- High-quality stainless steel: Durable, long-lasting, and excellent for everyday cooking.
- Glass cookware: A great option for baking and food storage.
- Quality ceramic cookware: Choose reputable manufacturers whose products are tested for lead and cadmium.
- Titanium cookware: Another option, depending on the materials and coatings used.
AVOID cast iron: Cast iron pans ”leach” the inorganic mineral iron which cannot be absorbed and utilized by the cells, so it accumulates in the body’s tissue/cells overtime, causing iron toxicity.
Keep in mind that not all products labeled “ceramic” or “titanium” are made entirely from those materials. Some contain additional nonstick coatings, so always double check what you’re purchasing.
My recommendation is to invest in good-quality cookware that will last for years while helping you minimize unnecessary exposure to chemicals and metals.
A few of my favorite brands of non-toxic cookware are:
- All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel
- Green Pan Valencia Pro Ceramic non-stick
- Caraway Home non-stick
- CeramiClad non-stick
12. Protect Your Home, Office and Person from EMF’s
Prevent or greatly reduce exposure to electronic magnetic frequencies (EMF’s). The topic of EMF’s is not my area of expertise. So, I will only briefly touch on this subject, but know that it is of the utmost importance. Please use “diodes” for all electronic devices in your home, especially your cell phones, computers, wireless routers and cordless phones, as these devices emit the most EMF’s. Also, use diodes for your lamp, electric clock and wall outlets near your bed where you sleep. Never use a microwave for anything, including water, or stand within 6 feet of one while in operation.
Anyone chronically ill can be more adversely affected by EMF exposure. Dr. Klinghardt taught me that EMF exposure greatly inhibits the body’s ability to heal and detoxify by altering and interfering with the body’s energy system. He has numerous published articles and videos explaining the how’s and why’s about this. There are also many other sources available online from other EMF experts.
Understanding the basics of electromagnetic frequencies (EMF’s) and electromagnetic radiation (EMR’s) protection:
Exposure to EMF’s and EMR’s alters the energy frequency/vibration within our body as well as the energetic field surrounding our body, sometimes referred to as our aura.
EMF’s cause our body’s energy system to be less harmonious, balanced and cohesive. Their effects are the opposite of being life supporting. When our energy frequency is literally ‘scrambled, inharmonious and imbalanced, it is not an energy vibration that is conducive for healing, repairing, detoxifying and regenerating. Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt MD, Phd, the doctor who saved my life, is a master on the human energy system and explained to me about the importance of using EMF protection to support my recovery.
To paraphrase and sum up what he taught me is that our body needs to be in a certain energy frequency to efficiently repair and regenerate, and to function optimally.
EMF’s and EMR’s disrupt our body’s energy system. They come from satellites, cellular and radio towers and the new 5G technology. 5G technology is much more powerful than the previous 4G technology, emitting over one thousand times more EMF’s!
Many credible scientists, medical doctors, researchers and other EMF experts say that EMF’s can:
- Weaken the immune system
- Support the overgrowth of microbes (bacteria, candida, fungus, mold, parasites, viruses)
- Impair digestion and assimilation and many other functions of the body.
- Directly cause or contribute to causing tumors, cancer, ADD, ADHD, schizophrenia, autoimmune diseases, infertility and many other diseases and health conditions.
- Can cause the following symptoms: insomnia, anxiety, chronic fatigue, irritability, headaches, tinnitus, dizziness, depression, allergies, a delicate or fragile nervous system with less resiliency to handling stress, brain fog and impaired vision just to name a few.
Some of my clients are sensitive to EMFs and need to significantly limit their time spent on the phone or computer and turn their wifi router or other electronic devices off. For some, their sensitivities to EMF’s have become so severe they have no choice but to move out of their homes away from their families to live in a rural area in another state where there is no or much less exposure to EMF’s.
Some clients rent an Airbnb or other rental, or even live in their vehicle or a tent at an ideal location. Developing sensitivities to EMF’s can become a huge problem for the more severely mercury and heavy metal toxic.
Mercury and heavy metals damage the myelin sheath, the exterior coating of nerve cells. The myelin sheath protects the cells from cellular corrosion (cellular damage/breakdown) caused by heavy metals and other environmental toxins AND EMFs. So, when the myelin sheath is damaged, the nerve cell is exposed and “raw” and becomes sensitive and inflamed. The more cellular damage there is to the myelin sheath (as well as other cells), the more sensitive and intolerable you can become to EMFs.
The good news is, you can protect yourself from the harmful effects of EMF’s with only a few EMF protection devices that you can purchase and have in your home, workplace and on your person for when you leave your home/office.
If you’re struggling with the symptoms of a compromised nerve sheath, rest assured that my heavy metal detox program includes repairing and regenerating the nerve cells and myelin sheath.
Dr. Klinghardt teaches about the effects of EMF exposure. He has numerous Youtube videos and information on his website at www.klinghardtinstitute.com
Specific and effective recommendations for EMF Protection in your home, office and on your person are in this pdf:
One last added note that could save your life or from a lifetime of suffering:
I will deliberately keep this topic very short. I will share a very sad truth from my experience as a Mercury and Heavy Metal Detox Specialist since 2008 – about 25% of my clients were completely healthy until a few days to a few weeks to a few months after getting some form of vaccine, tetanus shot or flu shot. Their life (or their child’s life) turned into a living hell thereafter. (Know this blog was written way before 2020. This is a much worse issue today in 2025.
If you are considering getting a vaccine, please first educate yourself about the health risks involved with vaccines. There is no shortage of credible and factual information about this topic. Most, if not all vaccines are loaded with mercury, aluminum, formaldehyde and/or other poisonous substances (legally I have to add the words “if not all” in this sentence and that’s the only reason they are in this sentence).
Thimerosal-free vaccines usually still contain mercury. They just call it a different name the FDA approved and people are not familiar with that new name. Even if they were mercury free, they would contain other neurotoxins instead.
One single flu shot contains more than 51,000 times the amount of mercury that the EPA and CDC states is “a safe, daily allowable limit”, and that limit is certainly not even safe.
Sadly, you will never hear any of this from your doctor. Many well-meaning doctors do not even know what is in vaccines. You can ask your doctor for the label of the list of ingredients in that vaccine (“patient label”). However, the patient label does NOT tell you everything that the “doctor’s label” does, including health and cancer warnings. The FDA requires that a patient label be included in every box of vaccines so do know that they are available.
Many doctors get offended if you ask to see it and refuse to give you this list even though you have a legal and ethical right to see it. This is a clear sign that you may want to get a different doctor who understands and cares about the health dangers of being exposed to these poisonous substances. Since I am in the field, I hear of these stories almost every day in my practice. TRUE stories that the media, Big Pharma AND doctors keep suppressed.
Please make sure the sources you educate yourself with are not supported and funded by a pharmaceutical company or governmental agency that gets massive funding from pharmaceutical companies, which is not always easy to determine. It sometimes requires some effective research.
Summary of Step One of Program:
1. Replace amalgam fillings, if applicable
2. Eliminate consumption of all fish and shellfish, except for specific sardines and anchovies
3. Eat only non-GMO, organic, grass-fed, free-roaming meats, eggs and dairy
4. Eat only non-GMO organic fruits and vegetables
5. Drink and cook with only pure water sources
6. Use non-toxic household cleaners and exterminators
7. Non-toxic personal hygiene products
8. Consume no artificial sweeteners
9. Do not use toothpaste and mouthwash containing fluoride
10. Do not use toxic candles
11. Use non-toxic cookware
12. Protect your home, office and person from electro-magnetic frequencies (EMF’s).
*Research before getting a vaccination or flu shot for you, your children and your pets.
Some important information for those with pets:
Did you know that a 10-pound dog gets the same dose of their toxic vaccines as a 100 pound dog? Yes, it is true!
Did you know a 3-year rabies vaccine also has the EXACT same dose of ingredients (including the mercury and aluminum in them!) as a 1-year rabies vaccine! Yes, it is true! Vets won’t tell you this either. They make more money giving your pets a vaccine every year versus every 3 years.
Did you know that a vet can order mercury and aluminum free vaccines if they want to, but most don’t, probably because they are more expensive. Yes, it is true!
This is another topic I could write a book about! Please consider why pets get the same diseases and illnesses as we humans do and give them the same consideration you would want to give yourself and your human loved ones.
One Veterinarian, Dr. Jean Dodd performed a scientific study giving HALF the dose of vaccines to small dogs and it proved to be just as effective. Click here to read study
Here’s what a renowned Veterinarian Dr. Micahel Dym VMD has to say about vaccines for pets:
Over the past 40 years and 17 generations of dogs and, cats we are seeing tremendous increases in chronic ill health in our pets that was rare back in the early 1970’s when I was a child. Most of these illnesses revolve around breakdown in our pets’ immune systems, and include chronic skin/ear allergies, digestive upset, thyroid/adrenal/pancreatic disorders, seizures, gum/ teeth problems, degenerative arthritis, kidney/liver failure, and cancer across all ages and breeds.
We are also seeing a record number of behavioral and emotional disorders including alarming and unexplained fears/aggression, as well as difficulty focusing/training and paying attention. The analogy of these compared with escalating immune/behavioral diseases in children is quite disturbing. The two biggest factors in our pets’ population health decline over these generations has been the severe overuse of multiple vaccines and nutrient poor and toxin filled commercial pet foods.
We have also failed to address the underlying cause of disease by only sup- pressing symptoms with antibiotics, cortisone and related drugs, so the disease progresses and goes deeper. Homeopathy offers a viable alternative in truly curing pets and making their bodies healthier. Visit his website: https://doctordym.com/
Here are just a few other websites from many available with supportive, credible information about the health risks and damage involved with the many vaccines and very toxic monthly medicines typically recommended for all pets:
- Vets on Vaccinations by Catherine O’Driscoll
- Why Vaccine Detox for Dogs is Important: What is Vaccine Damage in Dogs? (immune disorders, allergies, cancer, inflammatory conditions)
- 65 Ways Rabies Vaccinations Can Harm Your Dog
- A Standard Dog-Shot Schedule vs. the Holistic Approach: The Holistic Approach is to Delay and Reduce Vaccinations
- A Holistic Approach to Vaccination for Dogs
- https://www.drjudyu.com/store
Mercury and Heavy Metal Detox Specialist, Connie Fox HHP, CHC, AADP www.FreedomFromMetals.com
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This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease, illness or health condition. Please consult with your physician for any health or nutritional advice.